In late 2023, Bishop Luis Zarama announced an initiative to build a comprehensive diocesan development structure that would coordinate the work of The Foundation, Bishop’s Annual Appeal, and all major gift fundraising under the leadership and administration of a newly created position of Chief Development Officer. As part of this restructuring, the new Chief Development Officer will simultaneously serve as the Executive Director of the Foundation to provide continuity at the Foundation while also facilitating coordination with other development functions within the Diocese of Raleigh.
July 1, 2024, saw the arrival of Dawn M. Stark. In her dual role as Chief Development Officer for the Diocese of Raleigh and Executive Director of The Foundation, Dawn has since led transformative initiatives that have strengthened philanthropic engagement, expanded donor outreach, and advanced the mission of both organizations. Following, in January 2025, Kelley Karpinski joined the team as the Administrative Assistant to support the impactful and meaningful work of both departments.
The mission of The Foundation remains steadfast: to partner with the faithful in uniting their collective vision and financial resources to build a stronger future for the Diocese of Raleigh. As an independently incorporated and administrated entity, The Foundation maintains its status as a separate corporation, undergoing regular audits to ensure transparency and accountability. It remains fully committed to the faithful stewardship of the assets entrusted to its care, honoring donor intentions and adhering to the governance structures and guidelines of its endowments and other funds.
The Foundation is extremely grateful to the diocesan faithful for their ongoing partnership, trust, and generosity. It is through this shared dedication that the important work of The Foundation and the Church thrive for generations to come. As we reflect on God’s grace with faith and hope, there is so much to praise as we recognize with gratitude the collective efforts of all who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to advancing the mission of growing in the Body of Christ in Eastern North Carolina.
Board of Directors
Very Reverend Michael J. Burbeck, V.G.
Board President
Father Michael Burbeck was installed as the Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Cary, NC, in September of 2020. As the Pastor of this Parish, he enjoys serving the people and staff of St. Michael's by creating a shared vision and supporting all to fulfill the mission of discipleship to Jesus in every aspect of parish life.
In July of 2022 Fr. Michael was officially appointed by Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama as the Vicar General of the Diocese of Raleigh. Through this role, Fr. Michael assists with direct oversight of the Office of Divine Worship and the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The Office of the Vicar General also provides administrative support to the Vicar for Priests and to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
In his spare time he enjoys golfing, reading, and listening to music, especially sacred and classical music.
Dr. Russell C. Elmayan
Board Treasurer
Dr. Russ Elmayan has served the Diocese of Raleigh since 1990 in a variety of roles including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chancellor. He holds MBA and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Duke, as well as a Master of Pastoral Studies degree from Loyola and an undergraduate degree from USC. He also serves as Treasurer of the Board of Catholic Charities and previously served for several years on the Board of the Duke Catholic Center. He also serves on the Board of Visitors of Duke Divinity School.
Frank Tortora Esq.
Board Secretary
Frank Tortora is a native North Carolinian who attended University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies and The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law for his J.D. Prior to working for the Diocese, Frank was in private practice focusing on real estate, corporate, tax and estate matters. Following private practice, Frank worked at a national title insurance company where he was national underwriting and escrow counsel. Frank began working for the Diocese of Raleigh in 2019 and currently lives in Raleigh with his wife Carrie and three kids.
Leadership & Staff
Dawn M. Stark
Executive Director
Dawn Stark's impressive 19-year career in advancement began with Mustard Seed Communities, a Catholic international organization dedicated to serving society's most vulnerable populations. She has predominantly worked within school communities, both private and international. Her first major campaign was a $7.5 million project to build a new middle school building at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA, marking her entry into major gift fundraising.
In 2008, while working full time, Dawn pursued an MBA with a focus on Nonprofit Management, which complemented her professional development and led to her earning the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credentials. One of her most notable achievements was leading a $30M dollar fundraising campaign at the Cathedral of Christ the King and Christ the King School in Atlanta, GA which involved constructing a new 50,000 square foot building and renovating four existing structures on an urban campus. Dawn successfully mobilized a large volunteer base to support various fundraising initiatives, including the Annual Fund, Endowment, Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and others.
In 2019, Dawn took a leap of faith and joined a tier-one international school in Southeast Asia, where she led a multicultural team and experienced significant professional growth. She has also consulted for nonprofits, providing leadership coaching and fundraising expertise. Recently, she obtained a coaching certificate in mindset and life coaching. She enjoys golf, Pilates and spending time with her four-legged companion, Aggie.
Donna Ashcraft
Director of Development
Donna brings extensive fundraising experience to her new role. She has worked in various development and management capacities at the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Her experience includes working with major donors, C-level executives, and individual contributors. She has extensive experience building relationships and planning events. Donna’s most recent position was the Senior Regional Director of the American Heart Association in Baton Rouge Louisiana.
Donna and her husband will be relocating back to Raleigh in February to be closer to family. For almost 10 years Donna lived in the Diocese of Raleigh. During that time, she was an active parishioner at St. Luke’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. Donna enjoys a wealth of knowledge of our Diocese as well as many long-term relationships with Diocesan stakeholders.
Kelley Karpinski
Administrative Assistant
Previous Board of Directors
- Timothy A. Mann, Board President
- John W. Byrne, Board Vice-President
- H. Dean Penny, Board Secretary/Treasurer
- Michael Goodmon, Board Member
- Anne W. Stahel, Board Member
- Ricardo Herrera, Board Member